The Five Senses of Horror — Occult Philosophy

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🕯️ Occult Philosophy

The Five Senses of Horror

Name: The Five Senses of Horror
Price: 15.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780998827506

✍️ Eric J Guignard, Jessica Bayliss, Nils Bross

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4.5

(1 review)

$15.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This groundbreaking anthology plunges readers into the heart of fear by meticulously exploring how our five senses shape our most profound anxieties. Featuring fifteen dark fantasy and horror tales from acclaimed authors like Ramsey Campbell and Poppy Z. Brite, the collection is uniquely complemented by insightful discourse. Editor Eric J. Guignard and psychologist Jessica Bayliss, PhD, provide academic and psychological commentary throughout, dissecting the physiology of sensory perception and its potent connection to dark fiction. Stunning illustrations by Nils Bross further enhance this immersive, thought-provoking journey into the mechanics of dread and wonder.

Guignard, Eric J; , Bayliss, Jessica; , Bross, Nils

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🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Dark Moon Books 📅 2018 📖 310 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780998827506

Fun Fact

This anthology is an absolute revelation, skillfully weaving together visceral tales of terror with incisive psychological commentary. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the mechanics of fear, offering both thrilling narratives and profound insights into our sensory experiences. While purists seeking only raw, uninterrupted horror might occasionally pause for the academic interludes, the unique blend provides an unparalleled, enriching experience. It carves a distinct niche, standing as both an excellent collection of dark fiction and an invaluable resource for writers and enthusiasts alike, pushing the boundaries of what a horror anthology can achieve.

📝 Description: The Five Senses of Horror

Hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste: Our impressions of the world are formed by our five senses, and so too are our fears, our imaginations, and our captivation in reading fiction stories that embrace these senses. Whether hearing the song of infernal caverns, tasting the erotic kiss of treachery, or smelling the lush fragrance of a fiend, enclosed within this anthology are fifteen horror and dark fantasy tales that will quicken the beat of fear, sweeten the flavor of wonder, sharpen the spike of thrills, and otherwise brighten the marvel of storytelling that is found resonant! Editor Eric J. Guignard and psychologist Jessica Bayliss, PhD also include companion discourse throughout, offering academic and literary insight as well as psychological commentary examining the physiology of our senses, why each of our senses are engaged by dark fiction stories, and how it all inspires writers to continually churn out ideas in uncommon and invigorating ways. Featuring stunning interior illustrations by Nils Bross, and including fiction short stories by such world-renowned authors as John Farris, Ramsey Campbell, Poppy Z. Brite, Darrell Schweitzer, and Richard Christian Matheson, amongst others. Intended for readers, writers, and students alike, explore THE FIVE SENSES OF HORROR!

📑 What's inside

"Preface: The Five Senses of Horror" by Eric J. Guignard
"Introduction: Why Do Horror Stories Work? The Psychobiology of Horror" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"Thoughts About the Sense of Touch" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"Heading Home" by Ramsey Campbell
"Soft" by Darrell Schweitzer
"Feel the Noise" by Lisa Morton
"Thoughts About the Sense of Hearing" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"In the Cave of the Delicate Singers" by Lucy Taylor
"Sounds" by Kathryn Ptacek
"Malleus, Incus, Stapes" by Sarah Totton
"Thoughts About the Sense of Taste" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood" by Poppy Z. Brite
"Cassilago's Wife" by Sarah Singleton
"Sweet Subtleties" by Lisa L. Hannett
"Thoughts About the Sense of Sight" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"The Beholder" by Richard Christian Matheson
"In the Porches of My Ears" by Norman Prentiss
"The Impression of Craig Shee" by David McGroarty
"Thoughts About the Sense of Smell" by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
"Shem-el-Nessim: An Inspiration in Perfume" by Chris Bell
"The Scent" by John F.D. Taff
"The Odor of Violets" by John Farris
"Understanding and Incorporating the Five Human Senses into Modern Horror Short Fiction Writing" by Eric J. Guignard
"Afterword: Sensation and Perception" by K. H. Vaughan, PhD
"Suggested Academic Reading for Further Study "
"A Brief Reading List of Modern Fiction Short Stories with Relation to the Senses (1940-2015)"

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This anthology presents a fascinating synthesis of creative writing and psychological theory, offering a structured exploration of horror through the lens of the five senses. The inclusion of academic discourse alongside tales by renowned authors like Ramsey Campbell provides a robust framework for understanding sensory dread. However, this approach may alienate readers seeking pure, unadulterated entertainment without intellectual interruption. Those who prefer seamless narrative immersion over analytical breakdowns might find the interspersed commentary disruptive to the flow of the stories. It is a niche work that demands patience and an interest in the physiology of fear rather than simple shock value.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who crave a deep, intellectual engagement with the mechanics of fear will find this anthology uniquely rewarding. It is ideal for those who appreciate how sensory perception influences our psychological responses to the unknown. By combining fifteen dark fantasy tales with rigorous commentary from Eric J. Guignard and psychologist Jessica Bayliss, PhD, the book offers a rare dual experience of visceral thrills and analytical insight. Nils Bross’s illustrations further immerse the audience in this world of dread. It appeals to scholars and fans alike who wish to understand not just what is scary, but why our bodies and minds react with such intensity to specific stimuli in fiction.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're a connoisseur of dark fiction, an aspiring horror writer, or simply fascinated by the psychology of fear, this unique anthology awaits. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your understanding of horror deepened through a truly sensory experience.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This anthology presents a fascinating synthesis of creative writing and psychological theory, offering a structured exploration of horror through the lens of the five senses. The inclusion of academic discourse alongside tales by renowned authors like Ramsey Campbell provides a robust framework for understanding sensory dread. However, this approach may alienate readers seeking pure, unadulterated entertainment without intellectual interruption. Those who prefer seamless narrative immersion over analytical breakdowns might find the interspersed commentary disruptive to the flow of the stories. It is a niche work that demands patience and an interest in the physiology of fear rather than simple shock value.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Unlike typical collections, this book pairs compelling horror and dark fantasy stories with expert psychological and literary analysis, exploring how each of our five senses contributes to the horror experience, offering a truly unique dual perspective.

The anthology features fifteen diverse horror and dark fantasy tales from renowned authors. While the content is designed to evoke fear and wonder, it covers a broad spectrum of dark fiction, likely appealing to most readers who appreciate the genre.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Sensory Immersion in Horror

The book brilliantly demonstrates how tales of terror can be amplified by engaging our fundamental senses. Each story is curated to highlight how sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell can be manipulated to evoke profound fear, captivation, and visceral reactions, offering a fresh perspective on the genre's power to disturb and enthrall its audience.

Psychological Roots of Fear

Beyond the thrilling narratives, the anthology delves into the scientific and psychological underpinnings of our responses to horror. Dr. Jessica Bayliss’s expert commentary explains *why* certain sensory stimuli trigger fear, connecting the fictional experiences to our physiological and emotional makeup, enriching the reader's understanding of their own reactions.

Crafting Effective Dark Fiction

For aspiring and established writers, this collection offers invaluable insights into the art of storytelling. The accompanying discourse not only analyzes the impact of sensory details but also illuminates how writers can leverage these elements to generate innovative ideas and create more resonant, impactful, and truly terrifying narratives that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

📜 Historical context

Horror anthologies have long served as vital showcases for diverse voices, but 'The Five Senses of Horror' elevates the form by integrating academic inquiry directly into the narrative experience. It stands as a modern evolution in the tradition of exploring fear, moving beyond mere collection to offer a meta-analysis of the very tools authors use to haunt us, placing it in a unique position within the genre's history.

📚 Glossary

Dark Fantasy
Physiological Commentary
Anthology

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a time when one of your senses (e.g., a smell, a sound) triggered an unexpected feeling of unease or dread. How did that sensory input alone shape your perception of the situation?
Consider your favorite horror story or film. Which specific sensory details (visuals, sounds, textures, even implied tastes or smells) were most effective in creating its atmosphere of fear or suspense?
If you were to write a horror story focused on a single sense, which sense would you choose and what kind of terrifying scenario could you construct using only its unique properties?